Mediators of inflammation in response to air pollution: a focus on ozone and nitrogen dioxide

Abstract

Recent epidemiological and environmental chamber studies have strengthened the link between air pollution and respiratory disease. Acute exposure to ozone and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) for short periods results in both upper and lower airway inflammation and patients suffering from asthma and allergic rhinitis are particularly at risk. Neutrophils are involved in the acute inflammatory reaction following ozone exposure whereas NO₂ poses a more complex response involving neutrophils, mast cells and lymphocytes. The prostanoids play an important role in early symptomatic and functional responses, although their source is still unclear.